UAE commercial / ecommerce license
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The UAE e‑commerce market is scaling fast (Dubai Chamber pegs it at USD 9.2B by 2026), and a UAE ecommerce license is the legal permit you need to sell online via a website, app, marketplace, or social channels; add a commercial trading activity if you also plan a showroom or in‑person sale. Mainland Dubai (DET) lets you trade directly onshore, while free zone (freezone) setups offer 100% foreign ownership, 0% personal income tax, and 0% corporate tax in qualifying zones, with visa options on most licenses. Here’s how to get it: choose license types and activities, run a trade‑name search, apply on the DET or free zone portal, and secure a TDRA NOC (free, ~2 working days) with a .ae domain or app/social link; many setups complete in about 3–5 days if documents meet requirements. Cost and price depend on the authority, number of activities, visa quota, and office or warehouse needs; “cheap” or economy packages often use flexi‑desks, and you may add Chamber membership and gateway onboarding. For expats and residents, a pilot online sale helps validate demand before scaling cross‑border trade, and you don’t need a driver’s license to apply. This guide explains what an ecommerce license is, the benefit of each route, where to set up in Dubai and beyond, and how to apply without guesswork.
The UAE ecommerce license, decoded — what it is and who really needs it
In simple terms, an ecommerce license is the legal green light to sell goods or services online in the UAE. If you trade through a website, a mobile app, a marketplace like Amazon.ae/Noon, or even social media, you’re in “ecommerce” territory. Whether you dropship, run a subscription box, sell digital services, or manage a multi-vendor portal, you’re conducting commercial activity that needs a trade license.
Do you still need it if you don’t have a physical shop? Yes. The moment your activity becomes a business, you should license it. A proper license unlocks payment gateways, bank accounts, invoicing, and visas. It also keeps you compliant with consumer protection and cyber rules. The market is worth it: UAE ecommerce is forecast to hit about $9.2 billion by 2026, with Dubai consumers favoring domestic sites and buying on smartphones weekly. That’s a runway you don’t want to miss.
Do you need an office to get an ecommerce license in Dubai?
Short answer: not always. In many free zones, a flexi-desk or shared facility is enough to issue your license and sponsor visas. That’s perfect for pure online trade. If you later need a warehouse, you can lease one inside a free zone or on the mainland.
On the Dubai mainland, an office lease is commonly required before visa allocation, although there are “instant license” pathways where you can start the company and add premises later. If your model involves physical retail or a showroom, you’ll need compliant premises anyway. For a digital-first seller, start lean with a compliant flexi-desk and scale when your numbers demand it.
Costs, price ranges and “cheap vs best” trade-offs
Prices change by emirate, activity scope, visa quota, and the add-ons you pick. Expect the following ballparks for an ecommerce setup:
- Free zone, license only (no visa quota): roughly AED 5,500–8,500 in budget zones.
- Free zone with 1–3 visas: roughly AED 10,000–18,000 for the first year, plus visa costs per person (medical, Emirates ID, insurance).
- Mainland, ecommerce/commercial license: roughly AED 8,000–15,000 for license/government fees, plus office rent, plus visas.
- Sector hubs (e.g., DCC): higher base fees, but you get ecosystem advantages and premium logistics/tech options.
Add to your budget:
- Establishment card/immigration file, e-channel (where applicable)
- Visa issuance per person (budget around AED 3,500–7,000 all-in per visa depending on emirate and insurance)
- Bank account minimum balances (varies by bank)
- Payment gateway setup/transaction fees
- Domain, hosting, and development costs
- Optional: Customs importer code for import clearance
Cheapest isn’t automatically best. A “too-cheap” package can complicate banking, restrict activities, or slow down visas. Pick the jurisdiction that fits your model, cash flow, and growth plan.
How to get your UAE ecommerce license, step by step
Define your model.
Are you a single-brand store, a marketplace/portal, a dropshipper, or a digital service? The answer determines your activity codes. A marketplace (multi-vendor portal) often needs special “portal/e-marketplace” activities and sometimes extra approvals.
Choose your jurisdiction
Mainland gives direct local trade. Free zones offer simplicity and owner control. If logistics is core, consider EZDubai or DCC. If you’re testing and cost-sensitive, look at UAQ Free Zone, RAKEZ, IFZA, or SPC Free Zone.
Name and activity search.
Reserve a compliant trade name and match it with approved ecommerce/commercial activities. Do a quick activity search on the authority’s portal to ensure your scope covers what you plan to sell.
Apply online.
For mainland, apply via the local Department of Economy portal (e.g., Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism). For free zones, apply on their portal. Submit passports, photos, any required No-Objection Certificates, and your basic plan.
TDRA e-activity nod (where applicable).
Some setups ask for a Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) NOC for your website/app/social selling. The process is online, typically quick, and currently fee-free. You’ll provide your .ae domain (or app/social links).
Immigration file and visas.
After licensing, open your establishment card/immigration file. Apply for your residence visa. Once you have your visa, you can sponsor dependents.
Bank account and gateway.
Open a corporate account with your trade license and KYC pack. Apply to payment gateways like Telr, PayTabs, Stripe, or Checkout.com. A license is mandatory for onboarding.
Go live with compliance.
Use a .ae domain if you target the UAE. Publish terms, privacy, returns, and delivery timelines. Display your trade license number and contact info. Keep records for VAT and consumer law.
| Option | Ownership | Direct sale in UAE | Visas | Cost ballpark | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland ecommerce/commercial | Up to 100% foreign in most activities | Yes | Yes | AED 8k–15k + office + visas | Brands selling directly, wholesale + online |
| Free zone (IFZA/RAKEZ/UAQ/SPC) | 100% foreign | Indirect or via agent | Yes | AED 5.5k–18k + visas | Cross-border sellers, lean startups |
| Dubai CommerCity (DCC) | 100% foreign (subject to FZ rules) | Indirect or via agent | Yes | Premium tier | Ecommerce scale-ups needing ecosystem |
| EZDubai (Dubai South) | 100% foreign (FZ rules) | Indirect or via agent | Yes | Mid to premium | Fulfillment-led models |
| Home permits (DED Trader/Tajer/Eitimad) | Nationals/GCC; expat limits | Limited | Limited or none | Low | Social sellers testing the waters |
Frequently searched questions, answered simply
Still have a questions?
What is an ecommerce license in the UAE?
It’s a trade license that lets you sell online via a website, app, marketplace, or social media.
How to apply?
Pick mainland or a free zone, choose activities, reserve a name, file your documents on the authority portal, and add visas if needed.
Can expats get one?
Yes. Use a mainland or free zone structure. “Home” permits in Dubai/Sharjah are for nationals.
Cheapest option?
Budget free zones start around AED 5.5k–8.5k for license-only packages. The “best” option depends on your banking, visas, and logistics needs.
License with visa?
Choose a package with visa quota; expect extra per-visa costs (medical, Emirates ID, insurance).
Do I need a .ae domain?
It’s strongly recommended and sometimes required for approvals. It also boosts local trust.
Do I need an office?
Not always. Flexi-desk in a free zone often works. Mainland usually needs a lease before visas.
Marketplace or portal activity?
If you host third-party sellers, select a “portal/e-marketplace” activity. Extra approvals may apply.
Can I trade offline too?
If you plan a showroom or store, you’ll need the right retail activity and premises in addition to online trade.
Delivery drivers and permits?
If you run your own fleet in Dubai, use drivers with UAE driver’s licenses and secure any required RTA permissions. Many sellers outsource to couriers.
How long does setup take?
Clean applications in popular free zones can be done in a few days; visas add 1–2 weeks depending on schedules. TDRA NOCs, where required, are typically fast.
| Area | Key facts | Requirements | Cost/price (AED, indicative) | Visas | Office/warehouse | How to apply | Timeframe | Benefits / limits / tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE e-commerce market snapshot | The UAE e‑commerce market is forecast to reach about $9.2B by 2026 and could surpass $10B by 2029. Consumers buy via mobile often and prefer local sites. | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Strong online demand in fashion, beauty, accessories, home, gifts. Plan logistics early. |
| What an ecommerce/commercial license is | A legal permit to sell goods or services online. Covers online trade, marketplaces (portal), subscriptions, dropshipping, and digital services. | Choose activity (commercial trading vs professional services vs “portal”). Pick mainland or free zone. | License fee is separate from visas, lease, and approvals. | Most licenses allow owner and staff visas. | Mainland usually needs an office; free zones accept flexi-desk. | Via emirate DED/DET or a free zone authority. | 1–10 working days after documents. | Lets you open a bank account, integrate payments, sign with couriers, advertise legally. |
| Mainland Dubai e-commerce (DET/DED) | Sell across Dubai/UAE directly to consumers and companies. | Trade name, activity selection, MoA, manager/owner IDs, lease (Ejari) or instant license (limited), TDRA NOC for e‑activity. | 8,000–15,000 for license package; 10,000–30,000 for office Ejari (area-dependent). | Owner + multiple visas based on office size. | Office generally required; instant license possible first year, but visas/bank need a lease. | DET/DED eServices or Invest in Dubai portal; through a PRO or consultant. | 3–10 working days after approvals. | Direct local trading; Dubai Chamber membership often needed. Strong credibility for B2B. |
| Dubai DED Trader (eTrader) | For UAE and GCC nationals residing in Dubai to sell via social media/web. | National eligibility, activity fit, trade name. | 1,000–1,500 | No visas | No shop and no office; purely online. | dedtrader.ae portal. | Same day–2 days. | Low‑cost pilot option; single owner; cannot open a physical shop; licensee solely liable. |
| Abu Dhabi e-commerce (Tajer Abu Dhabi) | Add online trading to an existing license or get a new one to sell via web/social. | ADDED rules; legal forms: establishment/one‑person (Emiratis/GCC), LLC for residents with Emirati partner; TDRA NOC. | 1,000–3,000+ depending on legal form and add‑ons. | Varies by legal form and office. | No office required for many covered activities; check ADDED list. | TAMM portal (ADDED). | 1–5 working days. | Use eTajer mark and serial. Expanded to many activities; terms differ by legal form. |
| Sharjah Eitimad domestic/electronic | Home‑based and online business for UAE nationals (18+), Sharjah only. | UAE national, Sharjah residency. | ~1,000 (varies by activity) | No staff recruitment; visas limited | Home‑based; no office lease | SEDD e‑services portal | 1–5 working days | For simple online sales/services from home; restricted hiring. |
| Free zone e-commerce (general) | 100% foreign ownership; ideal for cross‑border and online trade. | Passport, photo, business plan (simple), activity list, lease (flexi‑desk acceptable), TDRA NOC for e‑activity. | 6,000–18,000+ license/package; add 3,500–7,000 per visa; add warehouse if needed. | 0–6+ visas depending on package/space. | Flexi‑desk allowed; warehouses available in logistics FZs. | Apply directly with chosen free zone. | 1–7 working days after KYC. | Customs duty exemptions, profit repatriation, low bureaucracy. Mainland sales via distributors/agents unless you open a mainland branch. |
| Dubai CommerCity (DCC) free zone | Free zone dedicated to e‑commerce; business, logistics, and social clusters; pre‑integrated e‑commerce platform and onsite ecosystem. | Standard FZ documents; activity fit; lease; TDRA NOC. | Premium; often 25,000–80,000+ depending on space/services. | Multiple visas with leased space. | Offices, fulfillment, and logistics on site. | DCC/DAFZA channels; info@dubaicommercity.ae; +971 4 291 9191 or 600‑5‑DAFZA. | 5–10 working days after approvals. | 100% foreign ownership; capital/profit repatriation; advertises 0% tax—verify under current federal corporate tax rules for qualifying income. |
| EZDubai (Dubai South) | Purpose‑built e‑commerce zone enabling B2B/B2C fulfillment near Al Maktoum Airport and Jebel Ali. | Standard FZ setup; warehouse/office as needed; TDRA NOC. | Mid to premium; license 10,000–20,000+; facilities priced separately. | Multiple visas with space. | Grade‑A warehouses, hubs, last‑mile access. | Dubai South portal/authority. | 5–10 working days. | Strong for fast logistics and cross‑border. Pair with bonded solutions for re‑exports. |
| IFZA (Dubai) | Cost‑efficient Dubai free zone popular with digital sellers and services. | Standard FZ docs; flexi‑desk; TDRA NOC. | 10,000–14,000+ license packages (promotions vary). | 0–3+ visas based on package. | Flexi‑desk; third‑party fulfillment allowed. | IFZA online via an agent/partner. | 3–7 working days. | “Cheap” entry in Dubai; straightforward renewals; good for remote operators. |
| RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) | Value packages and frequent promos; exclusive rates with Telr; discounted web/app dev; often 1 visa included. | Standard FZ docs; TDRA NOC. | 6,000–14,000+; promos: 50% off extra activities; 1 visa often bundled. | 1+ visas depending on plan. | Flexi‑desk; storage available. | RAKEZ portal or advisor. | 3–7 working days. | Budget‑friendly with payment gateway perks; two free extra activities common in bundles. |
| UAQ Free Zone | Simple, low‑cost packages; broad activity list. | Standard FZ docs; TDRA NOC. | 8,000–12,000+ entry packages | 0–3 visas depending on plan. | Flexi‑desk; warehouse on request. | UAQ FTZ portal/agent. | 3–7 working days. | Known “cheap economy” route with quick KYC and fast visa issuance. |
| Portal/marketplace activity vs trading | “Portal” = operate an online marketplace that connects vendors and buyers (you may not hold inventory). “Commercial trading” = you buy/sell goods. | Define if you are a marketplace, aggregator, or direct seller. | Portal activity may require higher fees and user terms compliance. | Visas similar; depends on package/space. | Same as license plan. | Choose the right activity code when you apply. | Same as license. | Payment gateways and TDRA NOC often ask for portal policies if you host third‑party sellers. |
| Is renting an office mandatory? | Dubai mainland usually needs an office; some “instant”/home or pilot options exist but limit visas. Free zones accept flexi‑desks. | Lease proof (Ejari) for mainland; FZ lease letter. | Office from 10,000–30,000+/year (Dubai), flexi‑desk from 3,000–8,000+/year (FZ). | More space enables more visas. | Office/flexi‑desk yields immigration quota. | Via landlord/authority portals. | Same day–5 days to register lease. | For banking and visas, a lease helps. Purely online pilots can start without, but plan a lease as you scale. |
| TDRA NOC for e‑activity | No‑objection certificate for online activities; required or requested for many e‑commerce licenses. | UAE Pass login; fill form; attach trade license (if available) and any restricted‑activity NOCs; provide .ae domain or social/app links. | Free; no fee. | N/A | N/A | TDRA e‑services portal. | ~2 working days. | Update TDRA if account names change. A .ae domain is preferred for websites. |
| Payments and banking | Gateways (Stripe, Telr, PayTabs, etc.) ask for license, website, refund policy, and KYC. Banks require license, UBO/KYC, and activity clarity. | License copy, website with T&C and returns, ID docs, office/lease, invoices pipeline. | Gateway setup 0–2,000+; bank minimum balance often 10,000–50,000. | N/A | N/A | Apply online to gateways; bank via relationship manager. | 3–21 working days. | Domestic acquiring reduces cart friction. List clear delivery/return terms to boost approval. |
| Taxes and customs | VAT at 5% applies when required; corporate tax 9% on mainland/profit outside FZ qualifying income; FZ may get 0% on qualifying income. | VAT registration at AED 375,000 threshold (or voluntary at 187,500). | VAT registration free; compliance costs vary. | N/A | N/A | FTA e‑Services for VAT; corporate tax registration via EmaraTax. | 1–10 working days. | For imports, get a customs code and use a broker. Keep clean books for audits. |
| Product approvals | Some items need approvals (health, cosmetics, supplements, electronics, toys). | MOHAP, ESMA, municipality registrations, labeling in Arabic/English. | Approvals 500–5,000+ per SKU/category. | N/A | N/A | Relevant authority portals. | 5–30+ working days. | Factor testing/registration time before launch to avoid sale holds. |
| Logistics setup | Pick last‑mile partners; define COD policy; integrate returns. | Trade license, sender KYC, sample shipments. | Courier onboarding often free; per‑parcel rates negotiated. | N/A | Warehousing optional; 3PL available. | Courier portals; 3PL contracts. | 2–10 working days. | Offer multiple delivery speeds. Negotiate COD fees and fuel surcharges. |
| For expats: ownership and options | 100% foreign ownership in free zones; mainland allows 100% for many activities. eTrader/Eitimad have nationality limits. | Passport, visa or entry stamp, proof of address, UBO info. | Standard FZ/mainland fees. | Yes, via license quota. | Flexi‑desk or office as chosen. | Through FZ or DET/DED portals. | 1–10 working days. | If you need immediate local retail, pick mainland. For cross‑border, FZ is efficient. |
| Pilot routes to test demand | Start as a marketplace seller (Noon, Amazon.ae) or use DED Trader (nationals) or a low‑cost FZ package. | Basic license or marketplace registration; TDRA NOC if required. | 1,000–12,000+ depending on route. | Limited or none on micro licenses. | Not required for marketplace accounts. | Marketplace seller portals; FZ quick setups. | Days to a week. | Keep costs low, validate CAC/LTV, then upgrade to full trading + warehouse. |
| Typical steps to get a Dubai ecommerce license | 1) Research demand and competitors. 2) Pick jurisdiction (mainland vs free zone). 3) Name search. 4) Pick activities (trading/portal/services). 5) Submit application. 6) Lease desk/office. 7) Get TDRA NOC. 8) Open bank account. 9) Integrate payments and couriers. | IDs, photos, name options, activity codes, lease, and policies (T&Cs, returns). | Govt fees 6,000–18,000+ (FZ) or 8,000–15,000+ (mainland) plus extras. | Add per quota. | Based on chosen plan. | Online via authority portals. | 1–10 working days after KYC. | Avoid delays by submitting clean docs and picking accurate activity codes. |
| Document checklist | Passport/visa, Emirates ID (if resident), photos, proof of address, UBO details, MoA, lease, domain proof/social links, policies (T&Cs, refund). | Originals and clear scans; UAE Pass if available. | N/A | N/A | N/A | Upload to portal/agent. | N/A | For faster banking, prepare invoices pipeline and simple business plan. |
| Chamber and import/export | Mainland: Chamber of Commerce membership; import/export code for customs. FZs handle their own customs; use a broker for mainland deliveries. | License copy; lease; activity fit. | Chamber 600–1,200+; customs code ~500–1,000+. | N/A | N/A | Respective emirate chamber; customs portal. | 1–5 working days. | Needed for B2B trade and cross‑border shipments. |
| IDs and driver’s license | Passports and Emirates ID are primary KYC. A driver’s license is not required for licensing, but couriers/banks may accept it as secondary ID. | Valid ID and residence status. | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Keep IDs updated; ensure names match across bank, gateway, and license. |
| Website and domain | TDRA prefers a .ae domain for UAE online activity; show license number, contacts, T&Cs, privacy, refunds. | Registered domain; basic compliance pages. | Domain 50–200/year; hosting 200–1,000/year. | N/A | N/A | Registrar and hosting portals. | Same day. | Clear policies increase payment gateway approvals and conversion. |
| Price ranges at a glance | eTrader (Dubai nationals/GCC): 1,000–1,500. Tajer Abu Dhabi: 1,000–3,000+. Eitimad Sharjah: ~1,000. Free zone “cheap” packages (UAQ/RAKEZ): 6,000–14,000+. IFZA: 10,000–14,000+. Dubai mainland ecommerce: 8,000–15,000+ plus office. Visa per person: 3,500–7,000 all‑in. | Prices vary by promos, activities, and space. | See left. | Add visas as needed. | Add office/flexi‑desk if required. | Apply via relevant portal. | Days to weeks depending on mix. | Always confirm current promos and hidden costs (establishment card, immigration file, medical/ID, P.O. box). |
| Best‑fit picks by use‑case | Low‑cost remote seller: RAKEZ/UAQ. Dedicated ecommerce ecosystem: DCC. Fast logistics/B2C and B2B: EZDubai (Dubai South). Broad Dubai presence: Mainland DET. Nationals on social: DED Trader. Abu Dhabi social/web: Tajer. | Match model to activity, budget, and target markets. | Varies. | Varies. | Varies. | Choose the authority that maps to your goals. | N/A | No single “best” free zone—optimize for cost, visas, logistics, and gateway support. |
| Compliance after setup | Keep accounts, file VAT if registered, observe corporate tax rules, renew license/lease, maintain UBO and ESR (if applicable), obey consumer protection and advertising rules. | Bookkeeping, timely filings, policy updates. | Accounting 3,000–12,000+/year (size‑dependent). | N/A | N/A | FTA/EmaraTax; authority portals. | Ongoing | Post clear returns/warranty info; use Arabic where required for labels and invoices. |
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